Any thoughts would be appreciated.Thank you,SteveIf there are multiple secured liens on the house, it depends on who is foreclosing. 

My question is should I make my offer and worry about getting financing later or secure pre-approval first?

I understand that nothing said here constitutes official legal advice, but I thought I would get an opinion from some of you on how I should handle my particular situation.1.

With market rents, coming up with first/last/security deposit can approach $10k in some neighborhoods, which can be a difficult check to write even for professionals.

I've been on BP a while but never officially did the member introduction thing -- so, here goes.  

I have always been interested in real estate investing, but the security of full time employment & raising my family took priority.

The county has to notify any mortgage companies of the pending tax sale and if they choose to do nothing then when the tax deed is issued the mortgage is wiped out.Pretty much the only liens that would be senior to a tax lien is a IRS or State income tax lien.All other liens are wiped out when the higher priority tax Deed is issued.I also have a good working relationship with my county officials.

The Mortgage (or deed of trust in some states) is the legal instrument which secures the property as collateral for the loan.It is important to think of it in those terms as they have two different purposes.

And what are the best things to look for to buy a house under market value to secure equity?

Since the security deposit would be paid to both Parent and Child, and the parent is just staying - what kind of special language do I use to say that the security deposit is being transferred to new lease - but in addition when it is returned it will be made payable to "parent AND child" since they both submitted it?